What to do before a viewing takes place on your house

Take
the right viewpoint when setting your  home up for a sale

They say that when you meet people you have not met before, first
impressions make a difference. Similarly, they also say kerb appeal for a
property on the market is really important.

Why? Because you want a potential buyer to get the right feeling from
the very start. If your house looks unloved, it’s unlikely that even those with
imagination will see past the clutter and the grime.

After all, you’re trying to sell your Pontardawe property and move on,
so of course you want people to like your house and put an offer in. This will
help you move forward more quickly and that’s what you want, particularly if
you have seen a new house you want to be in for the next chapter of your life.

So, what can you do?

Here
are our seven tips for preparing your home for a viewing

1.
De-clutter

For we estate agents, there is nothing worse than going to show people
around a house we are marketing, only to open the front door and find the
property is full of clutter. Okay, it might be family favourite toys and
pictures and mementoes, or it might be piles of rubbish, but you must realise
that prospective buyers want to see the house. They’re not interested in your
knick-knacks! Seeing piles of bits and bobs will simply put them in the wrong
frame of mind.

Tip: As you will be moving anyway, take the opportunity to box things up
and store them away, or get rid of unwanted items. If you’re downsizing, it’s a
perfect time to eliminate the clutter.

2.
Pet Hates

You love your cat or your dog. In fact, they’re your best friend. That’s
lovely, of course it is, but prospective buyers coming to look around your
house may not like pets or could be allergic to them.  Its better to remove pet beds and bowls out of sight. It sounds harsh, but it
is also best if you can get a friend or a neighbour to look after your pet for an
hour or two.

Tip: Give your house a good clean and light a scented candle before a visit
by a prospective buyer. It’ll help get rid of the smell of a cat or dog.

3.
Centre on the Garden

If you’ve got a front garden, tidy it up and make sure the grass is cut
or the hedge has been given a trim. First impressions matter so take the time
and effort to get it right. If you have children, tidy away all their toys and ‘really’ show your garden off.

Tip: Set the scene; if it’s nice and sunny, put a table and chairs outside
so that the garden looks inviting.

4.
Smells of the Season

Because you’re in your home day in day out, you may be blind to the
smells of your house. Using diffusers and scented candles sensibly will help
make it smell nice for a potential buyer.

Tip: Think about the seasons. If it’s winter, choose a fragrance that ties
in with the time of year. Try spiced fruits or cinnamon in Winter perhaps and
floral fragrances during the Spring .

5.
Bathroom Routine

Your bathroom is absolutely key to making a good impression. There’s
nothing worse than a dirty, smelly bathroom for making people think that a
house is unloved.

Tip: Present your bathroom well with folded towels and some flowers placed
on the windowsill in a little vase. Store all the soaps, gels and toiletries
away in cupboards.

6.
Space Invaders

Space is often at a premium, so help the potential buyer realise just
how much they will be getting if they purchase your property.

Is your furniture making a room look small?

Are there too many toys or books lying around?

Tip: Take a moment to look at a room and put yourself in the shoes of the
buyer. If you think a room looks too busy, it might be time to rearrange the
chairs or bookshelves.

7.
Stage it Right

Staging isn’t just for theatre. Make a lasting impression by making your
house look good. Put fruit in a bowl, flowers in vases, and place a home decor
magazine on a side table. Understand that you have to give your home a
chance, so make it look great.

Tip: If you need inspiration, go and have a look at a homeware, furniture
or home decoration shop as they are experts when it comes to staging room
scenes.

We have years of property experience. So,
if you need some advice, come and get it from us. Call us on 07717 661188 or
email andy.oneill@moving-you.co.uk